The Challenge of Limiting TV Time

There seems to be a relatively new problem, with a unique theme, in my household: a Yo Gabba! Gabba! craze. It started about a year ago when our 1-year-old discovered television. This was primarily a result of my wife and I looking for ways to sooth her when she was upset or not feeling well.

Perhaps this was an error in judgment. We are well aware that television is not recommended for the under-2 crowd. But when a child is sick and despondent and the whole family is exhausted and miserable, then you just try to make things as comfortable as possible.

Between the ages of 10 and 18 months, we experimented with several shows to see what our daughter would even take an interest in. She was kind of hit-and-miss with shows we found acceptable, such as Blue’s Clues, Jack’s Big Music Show and Sesame Street. Then … along comes Yo Gabba! Gabba!

I’m actually going to write a follow-up blog post specifically about that show, but in summary I’ll say for now that she was immediately drawn in. She loved the characters, the theme song and the entire presentation of the show. For us, it was a fun, new world that was entirely different from any kids' show we’ve seen. With its emphasis on physical movement, learning and social skills, YGG seemed safe – and very fun for everyone, even if it was a little eccentric.

Our stance has not changed, but limiting her to 45 minutes or less of TV per day has become very difficult. What started as an occasional tonic to smooth a rough day, or an illness, has developed into a daily habit for everyone. As a family activity, it can be pretty healthy but, like many parents, we are now finding ourselves doing other activities while she watches Yo Gabba! Gabba! This is a pattern we are concerned about and hope to address.

One aspect to this is that she simply does not get tired of this show! She loves it, and having 39 episodes on DVR makes it too tempting. Especially if she is not feeling well or if the weather is bad outdoors. At least she's not being exposed to any commercials.

I freely admit that I enjoy watching TV with my daughter, especially when it involves movement and learning numbers, shapes, letters and words. I am just looking to minimize this indulgence as it has become too dominant on certain days. Any advice?

By Brian Doolittle, Lifestyle Blogger for SmartParenting